BREAKING: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has just signed a crucial executive order prohibiting the city from making any business or pension investment decisions that discriminate against Israel. This move directly challenges his successor, Zohran Mamdani, who is known for his support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The executive order was announced during Adams’ speech at the North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism in New Orleans on December 6, 2023. It places Mamdani in a difficult position as he will need to navigate whether to uphold or rescind this directive once he takes office, set for January 1, 2026.
Adams stated, “This administration recognizes the benefit of maintaining a strong relationship between the city of New York and the state of Israel.” His actions reflect a commitment to protect New York City’s economic interests, with over $32 billion in procurement contracts awarded in the last fiscal year and nearly $300 billion in securities managed across five pension systems.
Alongside the anti-BDS order, Adams also announced a second executive order aimed at enhancing security for synagogues and religious institutions. This order directs the NYPD to implement stricter measures to regulate protests near places of worship, following recent disturbing incidents where protesters targeted the Park East Synagogue with hateful chants.
“New York City has always been this nation’s melting pot, but, too often, we’ve seen individuals of Jewish ancestry be singled out,” Adams remarked. His administration is taking proactive steps to ensure that city policies do not endorse discriminatory practices.
Executive Order 60 echoes a similar state-level order enacted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2016, which has been upheld by current Governor Kathy Hochul. Adams emphasized the importance of making investment decisions based on merit rather than political agendas, underscoring the city’s deep ties to Israel and its significant Jewish community.
The outgoing mayor’s support for Israel includes launching the New York City–Israel Economic Council, aimed at fostering closer economic ties between New York and Israel. He also signed an executive order in June that aligns with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which includes discrimination against Israel as antithetical to Jewish rights.
As Mamdani prepares to assume office, the implications of Adams’ orders will be closely watched. Will he uphold these policies, or will he attempt to reverse them in alignment with his own stance on the BDS movement?
As this story develops, both local and international observers will be paying keen attention to how the new mayor navigates these sensitive issues while maintaining the diverse fabric of New York City.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent and evolving situation.